Have Reserachers Found The Trigger For Melanoma Growth?

According to a new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the growth of the deadly skin cancer melanoma may be triggered by the immune system turning on itself! Researchers found that the tumor cells somehow use a component of the immune system itself (called interferon gamma) to turn on a specific molecule in melanoma tumors called B7-H1. B7-H1 is an immune-inhibiting molecule that is able to suppress the body's immune surveillance system and potentially allow for tumor growth.

Can A Wart Cause Skin Cancer?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is well known to cause warts in people. A new study found that some types of HPV, may increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers. A review of blood sample records in Norway and Sweden shows that people infected with a certain group of HPVs that make their home in skin cells were 30 percent more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, over a 30-year period than those not infected with this group of viruses.

How Do Dermatologists Have Fun In The Sun?

Taking care when it comes to exposure to sunlight can help protect you from the most common cancer in the U.S.A. Skin cancer, scientists say, is due to ultraviolet photo damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. So too much sunlight can spell trouble for your skin.

According to the World Health Organization, one in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer and, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation’s statistics, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer. The best defense: keeping your skin protected 365 days a year.

The Solution? Consider these key sun protection skin care tips:

• For the face, use one teaspoon of sun protection product.
• For the body, use one shot glass−sized quantity of sun protection product.
• Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially after a swim or workout.
• Remember, UV radiation can go through clothing, windshields, windows, even clouds. Wear SPF as part of a daily daylight defense regimen to help prevent skin cancer, premature aging and photo damage.
• Keep up to date on FDA regulations regarding skin care, which have recently changed.
• Use a trusted skin care line to protect you against the sun

Drug Update: Imagine A World Without Male Pattern Baldness

A group of American researchers reported progress on a possible method of stopping hair loss among men. Researchers have identified a receptor in the scalp, called GPR44, that when blocked stops baldness from happening! Drugs that block this receptor are currently being tested to see how they might slow down, prevent, or even reverse hair loss.

Female Adult Acne? You're Not Alone!

A new study released by the American Academy of Dermatology notes that late-onset or adult-onset acne is becoming increasingly common in women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s. Approximately 45% of women aged 21-30 had clinical acne, 26% of women aged 31-40 had clinical acne, and 12% of women aged 41-50 had clinical acne. Your dermatologist can help find the best treatment for you!

Can Your Hairdresser Detect Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer affecting humans worldwide, with majority of these lesions developing on the head an neck. This is the reason why a number of health experts in the U.K. are calling for hairdressers to be trained in recognizing the signs of skin cancer on their clients. Dermatologists and physicians should not wait for patients with skin cancer to come in when it may be too late! We need to use outreach methods to improve early detection of head and neck melanomas and capitalize on the unique relationship hairdressers have with their clients.

Indoor Tanning Worse Than Sunburns For Melanoma

According to a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, indoor tanning might be a more reliable predictor of invasive cutaneous melanoma than outdoor sunburns. The new findings are based on the Minnesota Skin Health Study. Researchers examined 1167 cases of melanoma diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and 1101 control subjects. Four UV risk factors significantly associated with melanoma were identified including: outdoor lifetime sunburns, indoor tanning, frequency of indoor tanning, and burns from indoor tanning. In comparing these, outdoor lifetime sunburns became much less significant than indoor tanning frequency.

Sun Protection Up, But Sunburns Not Down

A presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Preventive Oncology revealed that sun protective measures became more common between 2000 and 2010. However, a corresponding decrease in sunburns was not observed, according to an analysis of national data. Overall among women, staying in the shade, using sunscreen, and wearing clothing to the ankles increased significantly over time by 5%, 6%, and 5%, respectively, between 2000 and 2010. Similarly, among men, staying in the shade, sunscreen use, and wearing clothing to the ankles increased by 7%, 2%, and 5%, respectively. However, the overall prevalence of sunburn did not change significantly over those years. In 2010, 51% of women and 49% of men reported having at least one sunburn in the past year. Researchers believe that by continuing to create environments that support protective behaviors and by changing social norms regarding tanning and tanned skin will ultimately have an impact on the rates skin cancer development.

Women Who Used Tanning Beds May Have Higher Risk Of Skin Cancer

According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women who use tanning salons have an increased risk of skin cancer. Data from nearly 730,000 nurses followed for 20 years revealed that women who used tanning beds in their youth were more likely than others to develop skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.

What Is Your State Doing To Protect Teens From Tanning?

Eighteen states are now considering measures banning the use of indoor tanning devices for those under 18, while five more are weighing increased regulation, such as requiring parental consent. Approximately 30 million people, including 2.3 million teens, use indoor tanning devices each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Indoor tanning is undeniably linked to increased risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Make sure your state is doing its job to protect you!